The Home Improvement and DIY Thread

Why not just add a compressor? And a shed to store all that stuff? Not everybody has the room for table tools.

Pretty sure StK has a basement. And if he isn't interested in any DiY, why is he posting in a DiY thread?

Because he's maybe interested in home improvement? Same as Norrick. Check the thread title again.

Emkorial wrote:

Quote:

Table saws suck at cutting curves.

If you'd read the instructions you would know that.

Then he could use his handy dandy new circular saw he got as part of his cordless combo kit

Again, read the instructions. Circular saws are no better at cutting curves than table saws. Same blade, just mounted to a different thing. Hell, you can mount a circular saw upside-down to a table and boom, table saw.

The tool you're looking for is a jig saw--the Ryobi one is quite nice (I own it, along with the circular saw/drill kit you posted).

If the financing works out I'll be moving into my own house in March and I'm wondering other than a coat of paint I'm wondering what else I should think about doing pre-furniture move in. I'm wondering if there's any point in doing at CAT-6 wiring because wireless is pretty good these days. I'm not sure I'll be getting cable TV but it might be worth mounting a HDTV OTA antenna either in the attic or on the roof? Ideally I would want to run the cable into the master bedroom, living room AND tenant's room.

If the financing works out I'll be moving into my own house in March and I'm wondering other than a coat of paint I'm wondering what else I should think about doing pre-furniture move in. I'm wondering if there's any point in doing at CAT-6 wiring because wireless is pretty good these days. I'm not sure I'll be getting cable TV but it might be worth mounting a HDTV OTA antenna either in the attic or on the roof? Ideally I would want to run the cable into the master bedroom, living room AND tenant's room.

What other ideas do you have for me?

If you need to do any work on your ceilings or floors, do it before the furniture is there if possible.

If the financing works out I'll be moving into my own house in March and I'm wondering other than a coat of paint I'm wondering what else I should think about doing pre-furniture move in. I'm wondering if there's any point in doing at CAT-6 wiring because wireless is pretty good these days. I'm not sure I'll be getting cable TV but it might be worth mounting a HDTV OTA antenna either in the attic or on the roof? Ideally I would want to run the cable into the master bedroom, living room AND tenant's room.

What other ideas do you have for me?

If you need to do any work on your ceilings or floors, do it before the furniture is there if possible.

++. And walls. Nail pops, drywall damage, etc.

Cable can be run and dropped any old time unless you plan on majorly hacking up walls to do it, in which case do it now.

If the financing works out I'll be moving into my own house in March and I'm wondering other than a coat of paint I'm wondering what else I should think about doing pre-furniture move in. I'm wondering if there's any point in doing at CAT-6 wiring because wireless is pretty good these days. I'm not sure I'll be getting cable TV but it might be worth mounting a HDTV OTA antenna either in the attic or on the roof? Ideally I would want to run the cable into the master bedroom, living room AND tenant's room.

What other ideas do you have for me?

If you need to do any work on your ceilings or floors, do it before the furniture is there if possible.

++. And walls. Nail pops, drywall damage, etc.

Cable can be run and dropped any old time unless you plan on majorly hacking up walls to do it, in which case do it now.

Agree. Walls are a bit easier because you can push everything to the middle of the room or the side furthest away, but it's still easier if the room is empty.

Floors mean getting everything out of the room to make life easy, or making a very tall pile on one side that has to be moved to the other side (possibly multiple times). Ceilings mean covering everything, then moving the covered things around so you can move the ladder.

The house is only 5 years old and looks in pretty amazing condition. Honestly except for the paint (due to holes from existing paintings/pictures) I could literally do nothing. The inspection is Saturday, regardless.

I have no experience other than painting with home improvement. Is there some good internet site or a book for people to learn the basics, what tools I'll need etc?

That was primarily my concern around wall work. I replaced my 9 year old TV and found drywall dust from years ago on the back of it.

Quote:

I have no experience other than painting with home improvement. Is there some good internet site or a book for people to learn the basics, what tools I'll need etc?

There is hoards of info out there, but I've never found a single site that has all of it cooalated. A google search for whatever you want to know will usually point to several helpful articles and youtube video.

YouTube is a GODSEND for home improvement nerds. Short of having someone there to show you, watching a video of something getting done is insanely helpful.

I have no experience other than painting with home improvement. Is there some good internet site or a book for people to learn the basics, what tools I'll need etc?

There are tons of books, but honestly the best thing is to research on a project-by-project basis. The "general" info is stuff like "here's how to swing a hammer, here's how to turn a screwdriver, here's how to work a saw". Beyond that you'll want to research the specific projects to learn the "gotchas".

Oh, and the general rule of thumb--if you do it yourself it will take 3 times as long the first time, but you'll be much quicker the next time and way more confident.

It's kind of like wrenching on your car or bike. Start small, build confidence, work your way up. I started improving my own home with doorknobs and changing the locks, then tackled leaky showers and toilets. Then I built a workbench for the garage, because fuck it tools are fun.

As for tools, at your level of experience and willingness to work on things, I'd say get one of the larger "home repair" toolkits and call it done.

I own this exact kit and it's my go-to toolkit for anything in the house, even though I have better versions of some of the tools right out in the garage. Having a case with all the tools I'll probably need that I can just grab is nice.

I have no experience other than painting with home improvement. Is there some good internet site or a book for people to learn the basics, what tools I'll need etc?

There are tons of books, but honestly the best thing is to research on a project-by-project basis. The "general" info is stuff like "here's how to swing a hammer, here's how to turn a screwdriver, here's how to work a saw". Beyond that you'll want to research the specific projects to learn the "gotchas".

Oh, and the general rule of thumb--if you do it yourself it will take 3 times as long the first time, but you'll be much quicker the next time and way more confident.

It's kind of like wrenching on your car or bike. Start small, build confidence, work your way up. I started improving my own home with doorknobs and changing the locks, then tackled leaky showers and toilets. Then I built a workbench for the garage, because fuck it tools are fun.

As for tools, at your level of experience and willingness to work on things, I'd say get one of the larger "home repair" toolkits and call it done.

I own this exact kit and it's my go-to toolkit for anything in the house, even though I have better versions of some of the tools right out in the garage. Having a case with all the tools I'll probably need that I can just grab is nice.

Cool I already own a lot of that stuff (Drill, hammer, screwdrivers etc). I also have a full metric/imperial automotive tool kit.

Then you should be pretty good. I mostly use the screwdrivers, the drill, and the tape measure. If you don't have a tape measure, get one.

Also get a stud finder and a level. You'll need them. A lot.

Oh, and if you don't have at least one regular old phillips and standard screwdriver (not with interchangeable bits or anything), get one of each. Sometimes you just need something long and skinny to reach the damn screw. Like when you're installing doorknobs.

I'd fish cable while the house is empty, as it's much easier when the place is empty than doing so later. I have a wireless network but the CAT5 drops are still really useful (and I wish I had added more), as a good wired connection is going to be more reliable than a wireless one. You can always use it for things like whole-house audio and remote control systems, too.

Oh, and if you don't have at least one regular old phillips and standard screwdriver (not with interchangeable bits or anything), get one of each.

Get 6 of each. They are cheap enough to have in every room of the house. If you only have one, it will take a walk somewhere, and you'll be tearing the house apart looking for the damn thing when you just want to screw something real quick.

I'm wondering if there's any point in doing at CAT-6 wiring because wireless is pretty good these days.

Gratz on the house! Cat6 is a waste of money; Cate5e will work fine. Don't make me sic the Frenzzy on you. Wireless may "work" but having a cable available is almost always better and running cables isn't all that hard.

Oh, and if you don't have at least one regular old phillips and standard screwdriver (not with interchangeable bits or anything), get one of each.

Get 6 of each. They are cheap enough to have in every room of the house. If you only have one, it will take a walk somewhere, and you'll be tearing the house apart looking for the damn thing when you just want to screw something real quick.

WW++

I have a set of basic tools (#2 Phillips, flathead screwdriver, hammer, small level, pliers, flashlight, very basic socket set and a tape measure) in every tool bag, drawer, box, car, etc. It's incredibly helpful to know I have the basics anywhere I need them.

I realize I've got all the basics, I just don't have any experience with actually doing anything more than screwing stuff back in, changing lightbulbs, putting together basic furniture, (though I did build a wheeled flexi-rack for stereo components), taping a room and painting it, spackling holes and sanding them down etc. I've used drills for very basic stuff or to screw stuff into other stuff.

As Jehos will note from the motorcycle thread, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to electrical, mechanical and such.

I realize I've got all the basics, I just don't have any experience with actually doing anything more than screwing stuff back in, changing lightbulbs, putting together basic furniture, (though I did build a wheeled flexi-rack for stereo components), taping a room and painting it, spackling holes and sanding them down etc. I've used drills for very basic stuff or to screw stuff into other stuff.

As Jehos will note from the motorcycle thread, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to electrical, mechanical and such.

No one has any experience when they start. You learn as you go along. Just like everyone else. Start small, learn from your mistakes, build experience, move on to bigger projects, rinse wash repeat.

I realize I've got all the basics, I just don't have any experience with actually doing anything more than screwing stuff back in, changing lightbulbs, putting together basic furniture, (though I did build a wheeled flexi-rack for stereo components), taping a room and painting it, spackling holes and sanding them down etc. I've used drills for very basic stuff or to screw stuff into other stuff.

As Jehos will note from the motorcycle thread, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to electrical, mechanical and such.

No one has any experience when they start. You learn as you go along. Just like everyone else. Start small, learn from your mistakes, build experience, move on to bigger projects, rinse wash repeat.

Emkorial isn't always wrong, you know. It's just that when he is, he is really wrong.

"Wrong" is not the correct word. I am not often wrong (not many people on Ars are, since so many of the topics on Ars are opinions based discussions), but I am commonly at odds with the popular opinion of the average Arsian. There's a difference.

People disagree with me (and I them) all the time. That doesn't mean either side is "wrong".

I realize I've got all the basics, I just don't have any experience with actually doing anything more than screwing stuff back in, changing lightbulbs, putting together basic furniture, (though I did build a wheeled flexi-rack for stereo components), taping a room and painting it, spackling holes and sanding them down etc. I've used drills for very basic stuff or to screw stuff into other stuff.

As Jehos will note from the motorcycle thread, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to electrical, mechanical and such.

No one has any experience when they start. You learn as you go along. Just like everyone else. Start small, learn from your mistakes, build experience, move on to bigger projects, rinse wash repeat.

Yep, this.

The thing I've realized is that most minor home repair projects are generally unscrewing things, screwing things back in, gluing things, nailing things together, then covering up your work with paint or whatever. It's the same skills you already have, just used more.

Same thing with working on a bike. It took me a while to get past my mental block, but when I did I realized it really is 90% just turning wrenches and keeping track of where all the bolts go.

Oh, and if you don't have at least one regular old phillips and standard screwdriver (not with interchangeable bits or anything), get one of each.

Get 6 of each. They are cheap enough to have in every room of the house. If you only have one, it will take a walk somewhere, and you'll be tearing the house apart looking for the damn thing when you just want to screw something real quick.

WW++

I have a set of basic tools (#2 Phillips, flathead screwdriver, hammer, small level, pliers, flashlight, very basic socket set and a tape measure) in every tool bag, drawer, box, car, etc. It's incredibly helpful to know I have the basics anywhere I need them.

Why not just put your tools back when you're done? I know which shelf in the garage all my tools belong. I have no issue gathering what I need for a project and putting everything back when finished.

Why not just put your tools back when you're done? I know which shelf in the garage all my tools belong. I have no issue gathering what I need for a project and putting everything back when finished.

I try to do that too and succeed for the most part.

It's still frustrating when you have no freakin' clue where your tape measure is, because you got called away from using it unexpectedly and just set it down on the nearest flat surface, then forgot about it being there. If you have five scattered around the house, you can always find one when you need it.

Why not just put your tools back when you're done? I know which shelf in the garage all my tools belong. I have no issue gathering what I need for a project and putting everything back when finished.

I try to do that too and succeed for the most part.

It's still frustrating when you have no freakin' clue where your tape measure is, because you got called away from using it unexpectedly and just set it down on the nearest flat surface, then forgot about it being there. If you have five scattered around the house, you can always find one when you need it.

And if anyone else in the house uses the tool, who knows where it will end up.

biggest HI I ever did was tile the bathroom floor (ripping up the old green lino).. ugh. looks good but I dont know if I want to do it again (second bathroom needs doing, more old green lino to remove).

Speaking of linoleum...any tips on ripping up vinyl/linoleum from concrete? Tried to get the laundry room vinyl up last night, and it isn't cooperating. I'll need to get it all up before I can tile, and need the tile in place to get the W/D units back in that room.

Speaking of linoleum...any tips on ripping up vinyl/linoleum from concrete? Tried to get the laundry room vinyl up last night, and it isn't cooperating. I'll need to get it all up before I can tile, and need the tile in place to get the W/D units back in that room.

Is elbow grease my only solution here?

I'd probably give one of those oscillating tools a shot just to see if it's at all helpful. Make sure you have a good one, not Harbor Freight or something. No idea if it would help, I just like the "use a POWAH TOOL" option.

Are you sure it's vinyl/linoleum? Sometimes concrete is finished with things like terrazzo, and while it may look like a sheet goods finish it's more a part of the concrete.

Yeah, I'm sure. It's the bog-standard 80's style "trying to look like tile and failing" stuff. I got some of it up, but only a few square feet. It's old and dryrotted, but parts are still firmly adhering to the concrete.

Speaking of linoleum...any tips on ripping up vinyl/linoleum from concrete? Tried to get the laundry room vinyl up last night, and it isn't cooperating. I'll need to get it all up before I can tile, and need the tile in place to get the W/D units back in that room.

That's actually the question I started this thread with, so you might want to check back on the first few pages.

I ended up getting a job and the project has languished since then. The oscillating tool helped me get up some of the tiles, but it still took a lot of elbow grease and I only got a fairly small section done. The oscillating tool proved only moderately useful for removing the mastic, it allowed me to get the thickest bits of it, but it still left tons behind.

You might have better luck if your concrete is in better condition. Mine is kind of porous and pitted, so there were lots of things for the mastic to seep into that the oscillating tool just couldn't get to. I did try an (admittedly cheap) heatgun, but it didn't seem to help much. A concrete basement floor can soak up a lot of heat.

Once I work up the motivation to return to the project my next step is going to involve chemical warfare. I want to test things on the small spot that I've already uncovered, before ripping up all of the linoleum tile.